Nearly 9,000 EU nationals have been granted permission to stay in Epping post-Brexit, figures show.

Campaigns for EU citizens' rights fear for the thousands of people who are still waiting to find out if they can continue living in a post-Brexit UK.

Home Office data shows 8,920 EU citizens had successfully applied to continue living in Epping Forest by June 30 – the deadline for new applications imposed by the Government following Brexit.

The EU Settlement scheme launched in March 2019 to regulate the immigration status of European citizens who live in the UK.

Around 1,280 applications were submitted in the last three months of the scheme being open – 12 per cent of all requests received in Epping.

EU citizens with limited reasonable grounds for missing the June deadline can still apply to secure their rights.

Between the launch of the scheme and the deadline, a total of 9,320 applications were dealt with in Epping, with 5,470 people granted settled status and 3,450 pre-settled status.

Around 400 applications were either refused, withdrawn, or invalid.

The highest number of applications received came from Romania- 3,210, Poland-1,240 and Bulgaria-1,140 nationals.

An organisation for EU citizens, The3Million said although millions of applications had been processed under the EU Settlement Scheme, almost half a million people were still awaiting a decision.

A The3Million spokesperson said: "This backlog is unlikely to be cleared anytime soon, given the slowing pace of decision making.

"The scheme will also continue to receive new applications from vulnerable citizens who missed the deadline, as well as those upgrading from pre-settled to settled status and from joining family members.”

The Government said those who applied to the scheme by the June 30 deadline, but have not had a decision, have their rights protected until their application is decided.

Kevin Foster, minister for future borders and immigration, said: "We continue to work as quickly as possible to conclude applications, as well as supporting people with their late applications.

“Our message remains clear. The Home Office is looking for reasons to grant status rather than refuse.”